Health: It’s a national need,
Let’s make it a Federal responsibility.
Six councils across WA’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern have united to call for urgent reform to how rural GP services are funded. Right now, local governments are being forced to cover the cost – but that’s not sustainable.
We’re asking for your support as we advocate for a fairer, long-term solution that ensures rural Australians can access essential healthcare – no matter their postcode.
Show your support
Access to healthcare shouldn’t be a postcode lottery
In regional WA, some families drive up to 184km one way just to see a GP. With few doctors willing to move to remote communities, local councils have had no choice but to step in – paying over $1.47 million a year from ratepayer funds to keep basic medical services available.
This means fewer funds for roads, community infrastructure and other core services. It’s an unsustainable model – and it’s only getting worse.
What We’re Calling For
We’re calling on the Commonwealth Government to increase and recalculate the Financial Assistance Grants to local governments to accommodate the medical service costs – a simple and effective fix.
This payment would:
- Help attract and retain GPs
- Reduce reliance on ratepayer funds
- Free up local budgets for essential services
- Support healthier, more resilient rural communities
The Facts
- Life expectancy in remote WA is up to 7 years lower than in metro areas
- Local governments are covering up to 16% of their entire annual rates just to secure GPs
- Residents are forced to rely on overstretched hospital EDs for routine care
- Telehealth can help - but it can’t replace a local doctor or emergency care
- This burden is falling on the wrong level of government
The Local Government Rural Health Funding Alliance includes
Supported by
If you would like further information, you can contact us here.
- Copyright © Local Government Rural Health Funding Alliance 2025